Human Migration Institute

🌍✨ Join us for World Refugee Day ✨🌍

On June 20th, Human Migration Institute invites you to an afternoon of storytelling, reflection, and community.

This special event will feature a film screening followed by a panel discussion with community leaders and local voices exploring resilience, belonging, and the experiences of refugee communities.

World Refugee Day is an opportunity to recognize the strength, courage, and contributions of refugees. Join us this year as we affirm our commitment to creating communities for everyone to belong. The community starts with you and we want to invite you to join us.

📍 Culver Center of the Arts
🗓 June 20, 2026

🕑 Pre-Event Reception: 2 PM
🎬 Film Presentation: 3 PM
🎤 Panel Discussion: 5 PM

🎟 Register today by scanning the QR code or visiting hmir.org/wrday2026

Every refugee carries a story worth hearing. We hope you’ll join us in listening.

Community, connection, and joy 💝

This past weekend, HMI partnered with P.O.D.E.R. and SOS to bring families together for an afternoon filled with food, face painting, board games, soccer, and meaningful community connection. ⚽🎨🎲

From children making new friends to families sharing laughter and conversation, the gathering created a welcoming space where everyone could feel a sense of belonging. Events like these remind us that strong communities are built through shared experiences, mutual support, and opportunities to come together.

A heartfelt thank you to our partners, volunteers, and every family who joined us and helped make the day so special. We look forward to creating more opportunities for connection in the future.

💙 Together, we build stronger communities.

Visit HMIR.ORG to see how you can get involved.

Talking to Your Kids About the War in Ukraine 🇺🇦

HMI invites our clients to the second webinar of our Stress Management Series with Liudmyla Sitchenko 🍃

If you struggle with tough questions from your children or notice them feeling frustrated living abroad, join us for practical advice and answers.
🎁 Bonus: All attendees will receive a list of free and low-cost kids‘ activities, summer camps, museums, and programs in your local area.
🔗 Click the link in our bio to sign up.

——

UA:
Як говорити про війну з дітьми 🇺🇦

HMI запрошує наших українських клієнтів на другий вебінар із серії «Управління стресом» з Людмилою Сітченко 🍃
Якщо ви губитеся від важких дитячих запитань або помічаєте фрустрацію малечі в еміграції — чекаємо вас на зустрічі, де ви отримаєте практичні поради та відповіді.
🎁 Бонус: усі учасники отримають список безкоштовних та недорогих дитячих активностей, літніх таборів, музеїв і освітніх програм у вашому регіоні.
🔗 Переходьте за посиланням у шапці профілю (bio), щоб зареєструватися.

This weekend, HMI hosted a beach yoga and wellness session for Ukrainian women in Southern California, bringing together 20 amazing participants for a day of connection, relaxation, and support 💙💛
The session was led in English by our case manager Anastasiia, giving guests a chance not only to unwind through yoga and meditation, but also to practice English in a comfortable and welcoming space.
We were happy to see many familiar faces return, and especially excited to welcome new women from the Ukrainian community. Throughout the day, new friendships were formed, stories were shared, and many participants expressed interest in continuing outdoor wellness activities together in the future.
After yoga, guests enjoyed a creative art therapy activity led by HMI case managers Nika and Jenny, who created beautiful flower and rhinestone face art designs that encouraged creativity, joy, and self-expression.
To close the event, each participant received a mental health journal to support mindfulness, stress management, and English language practice through daily reflection and journaling.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special. 🌊☀️

🎓 Celebrating our ARSI students 🎓

We were proud to celebrate over 50 students from our Afghan Refugee School Impact (ARSI) program as they received recognition for their hard work and dedication this past year. From elementary to high school, each student was honored by their teachers at Sycamore Canyon Park for their growth, resilience, and commitment to learning.

In collaboration with My Academy, this celebration was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when students are supported, encouraged, and given the tools to succeed 💛

These moments are more than milestones they reflect the journeys, progress, and bright futures ahead for every student we serve.

💛 Want to support programs like ARSI and invest in student success?
Donate, volunteer, or learn more at
🔗 hmir.org

Please consider joining the Community Healing event at this Friday, or donate directly to victim’s families at bit.ly/supporticsd. 💛

HMI friends and family members 💝 join us for a fun afternoon of food, face painting, board games, and soccer ⚽️ bring your families to the AI knoll on Sunday, May 30th from 3pm to 6pm for an unforgettable evening with kids and fun 🤩

From Earth Day tabling at University of California, Riverside to connecting with students during career fair season, we’ve loved being out in the community sharing ways to get involved with HMI 💛

Through our programs, students have the opportunity to volunteer, intern, and participate in while supporting refugee and immigrant families in our community. From education support to community engagement, students play an important role in the work we do every day.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table, asked questions, and showed interest in making an impact 🌱🎓

💛 Ready to support your community while building experience?
Join our team of volunteers, interns, and student leaders today.
📧 [email protected]
🔗 hmir.org/volunteer

🍿A night to relax, laugh, and just be kids ✨

Our Afghan Refugee School Impact (ARSI) students came together at the HMI office for a fun and well deserved movie night featuring the newly released KPop Demon Hunters.

It was a simple but meaningful evening where students could gather, relax, and enjoy time together in a space where they feel safe, supported, and welcomed. Moments like these remind us how important joy, connection, and community are for young people adjusting to new environments.

At HMI, creating belonging goes beyond services and support. It also means making space for children to build friendships, make memories, and simply enjoy being kids 💛

💛 Want to support programs like ARSI?
Donate, volunteer, or learn more about our work at
🔗 hmir.org

✨ Honored to be featured ✨

We’re grateful to be highlighted in Inland Empire Magazine following our 10 Year Anniversary Gala, celebrating a decade of impact, community, and growth.

Over the past 10 years, HMI has
• Served more than 1,500 individuals
• Facilitated over 10,000 hours of training

These numbers represent real people, real stories, and a community that continues to grow stronger together.

💛 This is just the beginning
Support our work and be part of what’s next
🔗 Link in bio